Well, it's been several weeks and I haven't thrashed FW. Something must be amiss. But your note, Kara, allowed me to remember myself.

I found CW possessive and defeatist at the end of Ch.20. After studiously avoiding Anne's company for most of the novel, now he wants her all to himself? Well, Anne loves him, for some reason ... But, to be fair to JA, perhaps his exit line, "there is nothing worth staying," was meant for Anne's benefit. Foxy CW.

Also, I was jarred by Anne's interpretation of the exit line. How optimistic of the girl. In earlier chapters, Anne would have seen it as a dismissal of her person. And all this occurred because of Mary's reportage of Louisa's bethrothal. Anne has made up her mind to be happy, even though there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence of FW's regard for her. That is, in Chs. 18-19. Simply because FW has no designs on Louisa doe not mean he has designs on Anne. FW's oration at the start of Ch.20 makes things look pretty good for our girl, I agree. But, nevertheless, Anne's happiness is in her own mind until then.